The Ria River

The Ría of Bilbao, the backbone of the city

The Ría is the watercourse that crosses Bilbao and structures the whole city. The Bilbao audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this true backbone, at the heart of the history and the rebirth of the Basque city.

The river that structures Bilbao

The Ría divides Bilbao into two halves and constitutes the backbone of the city. Long the heart of industrial and port activity, it accompanied the rise then the reconversion of the city. Its banks, once lined with shipyards and factories, have been transformed into modern promenades, dotted with architectural works such as the Guggenheim and the Euskalduna. The Ría embodies the history and the renewal of Bilbao.

What to see

Here you enjoy the laid-out banks, the walks along the water, the bridges and the architectural works that dot the Ría, from the Guggenheim to the Euskalduna. The Ría tells the transition of Bilbao, from an industrial city to a cultural metropolis. It is a must-see stop, at the heart of the identity of the city.

Practical information

The Ría crosses Bilbao, its banks being reachable on foot in the heart of the city. The walks along the river are public spaces freely accessible; you walk along them during a stroll. The banks are particularly pleasant in the warm season and in the late-day light.

Why is the Ría important for Bilbao?

Because it is the backbone of the city, dividing Bilbao in two; the heart of its industrial past, it today accompanies its cultural rebirth.

Where to see the Ría in Bilbao?

All along its laid-out banks that cross Bilbao, from the Guggenheim to the Euskalduna.